Full Breakdown
Celebrating Excellence in Astrophotography: The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17
9/19/2025, 2:31:49 PM
Overview of the Competition
The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17 competition, organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in collaboration with ZWO and BBC Sky at Night Magazine, has recognized outstanding astrophotography from around the globe. This year, the contest attracted over 5,800 entries from participants in more than 60 countries, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the universe.
Top Honors and Winning Images
The overall winner of the competition is the trio of Weitang Liang, Qi Yang, and Chuhong Yu for their image titled “The Andromeda Core.” Captured using a long focal-length telescope at the AstroCamp Observatory in Nerpio, Spain, this photograph reveals the intricate structure of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and its surrounding stars. The judges praised the image for its dynamic composition and unprecedented detail, highlighting its contribution to the existing body of work on the Andromeda Galaxy.
In addition to the overall winner, the competition featured several category winners, including:
- Skyscapes: Tom Rae for “The Ridge”
- Aurorae: Kavan Chay for “Crown of Light”
- Our Sun: James Sinclair for “Active Region of the Sun’s Chromosphere”
- Our Moon: Marcella Giulia Pace for “The Trace of Refraction”
- Planets, Comets, and Asteroids: Dan Bartlett for “Comet 12P/Pons–Brooks Taking a Final Bow”
The exhibition of winning images opened on September 12, 2025, at the National Maritime Museum, where visitors can appreciate the work of over 100 photographers.
Official Statements & Responses
Astrophotographer László Francsics, a judge for the competition, remarked on the significance of the winning image, stating, “Not to show it all – this is one of the greatest virtues of this photo.” He emphasized that the image adds a new perspective to the extensive history of Andromeda photography.
Criticism & Opposition
While the competition has been celebrated for its recognition of talent, some critics argue that the focus on technical excellence may overshadow the emotional narratives that photography can convey. This perspective suggests that while the images are visually stunning, they may lack deeper storytelling elements.
What's Next
The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition will continue to run through August 2026, allowing a broader audience to engage with the stunning visuals captured by astrophotographers. The competition's ongoing success highlights the enduring fascination with the cosmos and the role of photography in enhancing our understanding of the universe.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not to show it all – this is one of the greatest virtues of this photo.” — László Francsics, Astrophotographer and Judge
The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17 not only celebrates the artistry of astrophotography but also invites viewers to reflect on the vastness and beauty of the universe.
